Gaime. I
was in a manner his second disciple, which even at that time was of
inestimable service in turning me from a propensity to vice into which
my idleness was leading me.
One day, when I least expected it, I was sent for by the Count de la
Roque. Having frequently called at his house, without being able to
speak with him, I grew weary, and supposing he had either forgot me
retained some unfavorable impression of me, returned no more: but I
was mistaken in both these conjectures. He had more than once
witnessed the pleasure I took in fulfilling my duty to his aunt: he
had even mentioned it to her, and afterwards spoke of it, when I no
longer thought of it myself.
He received me graciously, saying that instead of amusing me with
useless promises, he had sought to place me to advantage; that he
had succeeded, and would put me in a way to better my situation, but
the rest must depend on myself. That the family into which he should
introduce me being both powerful and esteemed, I should need no
other patrons; and though at first on the footing of a servant, I
might be assured, that if my conduct and sentiments were found above
that station, I should not long remain in it. The end of this
discourse cruelly disappointed the brilliant hopes the beginning had
inspired. "What! forever a footman?" said I to myself, with a
bitterness which confidence presently effaced, for I felt myself too
superior to that situation to fear long remaining there.
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